About Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability
Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability is a registered non-profit organization in the State of Hawaii with 501(c)(3) designation founded in 2022.
We are a Maui based organization and we take contract work for all Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia.
Our work in the Wahikuli Watershed has been internationally recognized and our award winning Volunteer Program that we designed and established ran successfully throughout the pandemic.
Tipu Tipu specializes in outreach education and interpretation for all communities. We are publishing educational books, videos and home projects.
We promote conservation of our natural resources to ensure the survival of unique ecosystems and species.
Our name and logo
Our logo takes inspiration from the Maori koru, which symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace.
We found the fern like representation of the koru to be fitting with our Maori inspired name Tipu, meaning growth, development, shoot, bud, plant.
Together, the Tipu Tipu name, the Koru spiral at the heart of our logo and the row of native plants, represent our nature-based approach to restoration and sustainability. Incorporated in the logo is our Mauka to Makai approach symbolized by the mountains and ocean wave.
Our Partners
Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability is supported by our many partners in restoration and sustainability including our State and County departments of DOFAW, DNLR, The Hawaii Climate Commission, County of Maui and County of Hawaii.
Native Hawaiian Plant Propagation
Tipu Tipu is partnered with the Native Hawaiian Plant Propagation Group for expanding restoration capacity in Hawaii growing native Hawaiian plants for restoration. These partners include: Molokai Land Trust, ʻĀina Hoʻokupu o Kīlauea, Papahana Kuaola, and The Joseph Rock Arboretum.
Seed Saving and Seed Bank Partnerships
Tipu Tipu is a member of the Laukahi Network and the Hawaii Seed Bank Partnership for our Tipu Tipu Seed Bank. We are also partnered with the Lyon Arboretum Seed Lab, Terrarformation, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens,and the Hawaii Island Seed Bank.
The Tipu Tipu seed bank facility by Terraformation will have it's home on the UHMC campus.
We appreciate all our seed bank supporters!
Education, Outreach and Workforce Training
Our mission for education and outreach goals are met by our partnerships with Maui Huliau Foundation, Kulanihakoʻi High School, Ka'ehu, Ho’inana A Me Ho’ola, Hilo Public Library, and our interns through UHMC and UH Hilo. Mahalo to our friends at ReTree Hawaii for school program support.
Mahalo Nui to all our Partners!
Our Mission
Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability is dedicated to the protection of coral reefs and ocean health through watershed restoration, data collection and education.
Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability implements watershed restoration projects to completion with community volunteer involvement and as educational opportunities, incorporating the use of Native Hawaiian trees, plants and grasses.
Tipu Tipu Restoration and Sustainability collects scientific data. Scientific reports and atmospheric weather data reports on all projects are made available to educational organizations, partnerships all over the world, and the public.
Tipu Tipu Research and Sustainability supports and engages communities through volunteer efforts, outreach and interpretive community engagement, which may include field trips for schools and corporations, hosting special events, appearances at local events, and restoration site visits.
